Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools

Saltwater pools have grown in popularity, but many homeowners still wonder how they compare to traditional chlorine pools. Understanding how each system works, along with the maintenance needs, equipment costs, and long-term benefits, can help you decide which option best fits your lifestyle and budget.

How Saltwater Pools Work
Saltwater pools use a generator that converts salt into chlorine through electrolysis. This system keeps chlorine levels more consistent, resulting in gentler water and reduced need for regular chemical additions. While maintenance is lower overall, the generator itself needs routine care to prevent buildup and ensure proper performance.

How Chlorine Pools Work
Chlorine pools rely on tablets, liquid chlorine, or granules added manually to sanitize the water. Frequent testing is required to keep chlorine levels balanced and to prevent issues like algae or chloramine buildup, which causes strong odors and irritation.

Maintenance Comparison
Saltwater pools require monitoring of salinity levels, brushing and vacuuming, and regular inspection of filters and skimmer baskets. Chlorine levels should also be checked to ensure the generator is functioning properly. Traditional chlorine pools demand more manual upkeep, including frequent chemical additions, balancing pH levels, and periodic shock treatments.

Health and Comfort Benefits
Saltwater pools are known for being gentler on skin, eyes, and hair. The water feels smoother and causes less irritation than traditionally chlorinated water. Because chlorine is continually generated, saltwater systems produce fewer harsh chloramines, resulting in a milder smell and a more enjoyable swimming experience.

Equipment Needs
Saltwater systems require a salt chlorinator, along with standard pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters. All equipment should be maintained regularly to prevent debris buildup, ensure proper water circulation, and protect components from potential corrosion.

Cost Differences
Saltwater systems come with higher upfront costs due to the generator, but long-term chemical expenses are typically lower. Chlorine pools cost less to install but require continuous chemical purchases and more hands-on maintenance. Both pool types can add value to your home, though costs vary based on pool size, materials, and equipment.

Benefits of Saltwater Pools
• Softer, more comfortable water
• Less irritation to eyes and skin
• Lower long-term chemical costs
• Reduced chemical odor
• Automated chlorine production for easier upkeep

Potential Drawbacks
• Higher initial installation cost
• Salt-related corrosion on equipment or surrounding surfaces
• Occasional salt buildup that requires cleaning

Is a Saltwater Pool the Better Choice?
Choosing between a saltwater and chlorine pool depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and long-term goals. Saltwater pools offer a gentler swimming experience and reduced ongoing maintenance, while chlorine pools remain a cost-effective, traditional option. With the right care, either system can provide years of enjoyable swimming.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Kitchen Upgrades and Design Trends That Add Value to Your Home

If you’re updating your kitchen with resale in mind, you’re already focused on the right room. In Southeast Michigan, realtors consistently point to kitchens as a major driver of buyer interest. The key is combining smart, value-boosting upgrades with today’s most in-demand design choices.

What Buyers Want Right Now

Most homeowners (81%) change their kitchen style during a renovation, and the trend is shifting back toward warmer, more classic looks. Traditional kitchens are making a strong comeback, rising to about 14% of remodels, while transitional remains the top choice at 25%. Modern and contemporary styles are holding steady, and farmhouse style continues to decline.

Altogether, kitchens are getting bigger and bolder. About 35% of homeowners are expanding their kitchen footprint, often borrowing space from dining rooms or living rooms, while others build additions to create the open, multifunctional kitchens people love. Backsplashes are also becoming major design statements, with full-height tile now the most common choice and ceiling-high designs growing in popularity.

Upgrades Realtors Say Add the Most Value

These are the improvements that typically deliver the strongest return and align with current buyer expectations:

  1. New flooring: Old, mismatched, or damaged floors drag down value fast. Seamless flooring, especially hardwood or quality wood-look options, immediately improves first impressions.
  2. Fresh, neutral paint: A professional repaint in warm whites, soft grays, or creams brightens the space and makes it feel move-in ready.
  3. Updated cabinets (paint, reface, or replace): Cabinets set the tone for the whole kitchen. If the boxes are solid, repainting or refacing delivers high-end impact for less. Soft-close hinges and drawers add a premium feel.
  4. Modern cabinet hardware: One of the simplest upgrades with the biggest visual payoff. New pulls and knobs can refresh the entire kitchen quickly.
  5. Matching appliances: A coordinated appliance package makes kitchens photograph better and feel more finished. Stainless steel is still the buyer favorite, and matching finishes matter.
  6. A modern sink faucet: A clean-lined, pull-down, or touchless faucet is a low-cost upgrade that signals an “updated kitchen” to buyers.
  7. Lighting that fits the style: Replacing dated fluorescent or builder-grade fixtures is usually worth it. Stick to timeless, high-quality fixtures over overly custom designs.
  8. A kitchen island (when layout allows): Islands are still high on buyer wish lists for prep space, storage, and gathering. If space is tight, a movable island can add function without hurting flow.
  9. Quality countertops: If you have laminate or low-end surfaces, upgrading is a strong value move. Durable stone or quartz keeps your kitchen aligned with today’s expectations.
  10. A clean, full-coverage backsplash: Since backsplashes are trending larger and more dramatic, upgrading a dated or missing backsplash is a smart choice. Neutral ceramic or porcelain tile keeps it buyer-friendly while looking current.

Value-Focused Budget

Kitchen spending varies widely. High-end remodels can go far above average, especially in larger kitchens, but you don’t need a luxury budget to get a meaningful return. The best strategy is choosing improvements that buyers notice first: flooring, cabinets, lighting, and surfaces.

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JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Why RAM and Storage Costs Are Skyrocketing

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented surge in global demand for computer memory, causing steep price hikes for RAM, SSDs, and other storage components. Major AI developers—including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon—are buying massive quantities of high-end memory for their data centers, often outbidding consumer manufacturers. As a result, the cost of everyday electronics is climbing across the board.

Over just a few weeks, DDR5 RAM prices have doubled in some cases, with premium kits jumping more than 100%. Retailers are already scrambling to keep up with the volatility. Some stores have even removed fixed price tags, switching to spot pricing because memory costs change so rapidly.

This shortage affects more than PC upgrades. Laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and handheld devices all rely on the same memory manufacturers—primarily Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, which control roughly 90% of the market. As existing inventory runs out, consumers can expect higher prices for new devices and fewer deals on components. Even GPUs may rise in cost again as video memory becomes more expensive.

Console makers are feeling the pressure, too. Microsoft has already raised Xbox prices twice in 2025, with more increases possible. Sony reportedly stockpiled RAM early, but that buffer won’t last forever. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may also face higher storage costs due to rising microSD prices.

Data Centers Are Outbidding Consumer Tech

Analysts predict memory and flash storage prices will continue climbing into 2026 unless production expands or AI companies reduce consumption. For now, the demand from AI data centers is overpowering supply, and consumers are left footing the bill as nearly every gadget becomes more expensive to make—and to buy.

Analysts predict that memory and flash storage prices will continue climbing into 2026 unless production increases or AI companies curb consumption. Reports from Reuters and TrendForce indicate that major NAND manufacturers are “taking turns raising prices,” creating a cascading effect throughout the market. Although the memory sector is expected to grow rapidly, that growth won’t be enough to ease demand. Additionally, the Korean newspaper Chosun Biz reports that Samsung and SK Hynix reduced flash supply in late 2025, further tightening the market. Samsung is also considering additional price hikes of 20% to 30%, signaling more volatility ahead.

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Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems delivers professional results for all your computer needs. We design, create, and code various custom software programs and websites. Additionally, we offer superior digital marketing services, including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising. We also repair and support commercial computer infrastructure, build custom systems and servers, and provide secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call (810)224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com us!

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Termite Awareness in Colorado: Detect Early, Protect Smart

Termites are a year-round threat across Colorado, and early detection is the key to preventing costly damage. If you’ve spotted wood deterioration, mud tubes, or walls that sound hollow when tapped, you may be seeing the first signs of an active infestation. Known as “silent destroyers,” termites can quietly compromise wood, flooring, and even drywall. In 2025, termite-related property damage in the U.S. is expected to surpass $7 billion, underscoring the importance of proactive protection.

Where Termites Hide in Colorado Homes

Colorado’s seasonal shifts create ideal conditions for hidden termite activity. Infestations often begin in the warmer months but may intensify as colonies seek heat inside homes during fall and winter. Because termites prefer dark, sheltered, and damp areas, they often remain undetected until significant damage is already done.

Common hiding spots include:

  • Attics, basements, and crawl spaces
  • Cracks in walls and gaps around foundations
  • Cardboard boxes, storage bags, and paper clutter
  • Behind electrical outlets or wiring
  • Soft, sagging, or hollow-sounding wood
  • Beneath sinks and around plumbing
  • Inside cupboards, shelving, or side-wall voids

Annual professional inspections help catch these issues early—well before damage becomes severe.

The Financial and Structural Risk of Termites

Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage each year, and most homeowners don’t realize the extent of the threat until it’s too late. These insects feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials, gradually weakening essential structural components such as support beams, joists, flooring, and wall framing. Because the damage occurs out of sight, infestations often go unnoticed for months—or even years—before repairs become unavoidable.

Beyond structural harm, termite activity carries significant financial consequences. Each year, more than 600,000 U.S. homes experience termite damage, and nationwide repair costs are estimated to exceed $7 billion. Since most insurance policies classify termite destruction as preventable, the cost of treatment and reconstruction typically falls entirely on the homeowner. Repairs can range from minor carpentry work to major structural restoration that disrupts daily life and strains budgets.

The impact is even broader for property owners, investors, and real estate professionals. Termite issues can lower a home’s market value, complicate inspections, delay closings, and lead to disputes over disclosure responsibilities. Because unresolved termite damage raises red flags for buyers and lenders, early detection and preventative care are essential for protecting both the structure and its long-term financial value.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Property

Simple maintenance habits can significantly reduce your risk of infestation:

  • Store firewood, mulch, and lumber away from your home’s foundation.
  • Improve drainage and fix moisture issues near the home.
  • Inspect attics, crawl spaces, and storage areas for damage or early-season swarmers

Modern, Eco-Conscious Termite Solutions

While traditional treatments—chemical barriers, soil termiticides, and bait systems—still play a role, environmental regulations and soil considerations in Colorado can limit their effectiveness. Newer biodegradable and non-toxic soil treatments are offering homeowners safer, smarter choices.

These innovative products create pheromone-mimicking trails that help direct termites toward bait stations rather than allowing them to spread through your property. This boosts early detection, speeds colony elimination, and protects pets, family members, and beneficial insects. The result is a sustainable, long-term termite prevention strategy aligned with modern environmental standards.

Why Professional Termite Control Is Essential

Termite elimination is never a DIY job. Colonies often live deep within structural voids—far beyond the reach of store-bought sprays. While visible termites may be easy to kill, the colony behind your walls can continue feeding and growing.

A professional inspection from Front Range Pest provides accurate detection, targeted treatment, and long-term monitoring. Our team uses advanced tools and environmentally responsible solutions to eliminate colonies at the source and prevent future activity.

If you suspect termite presence in your home, don’t wait. Schedule a ground-to-roof termite inspection with Front Range Pest and protect your property with Colorado’s most trusted pest-management experts.

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Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Smart Planning for Your Home Renovation

Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to improve comfort, function, and long-term value—but success starts with careful planning. Whether you’re upgrading a kitchen, refreshing the bathroom, or reimagining your entire layout, these key steps will help keep your project on track.

Set a Realistic Renovation Budget

Every successful renovation begins with a solid budget. Estimate the total cost of materials, labor, and any design or professional services. Unexpected issues—like hidden structural problems or outdated wiring—are common, so build in protection from the start.

Smart budgeting tips:

  • Add a 10–20% buffer for unforeseen expenses
  • Prioritize essential upgrades before optional enhancements
  • Track all spending using a simple spreadsheet
  • Review and adjust your budget regularly

A well-prepared budget reduces stress and gives you better control throughout the project. If you need additional financing, a home renovation loan can help you stay on schedule without stretching your savings.

Know Your Permit Requirements

Before work begins, check local building codes, permit rules, and any HOA regulations. Many renovations—such as room additions, wall removals, or major system installations—require official approval. Failing to secure the right permits can lead to costly fines, construction delays, or mandatory rework. Understanding the requirements upfront keeps your project compliant and protects your investment.

Design Spaces That Fit Your Lifestyle

Your renovation should make daily living easier and more enjoyable. Think about how your family uses each room and plan upgrades that support long-term needs.

Multi-functional spaces such as home offices, flexible guest rooms, added storage, or aging-in-place features can increase convenience and value. By blending good design with practical function, every update works harder for your household.

Reappraise After Your Renovation

If you’re planning to refinance, eliminate mortgage insurance, or tap into home equity, connect with your lender before the renovations are complete. EB Mortgage can coordinate a lender-ordered appraisal—the only type accepted for financial decisions.

Upgrades like remodeled kitchens, refreshed bathrooms, or new flooring can significantly boost market value. A proper appraisal ensures your improvements translate into better loan options and higher borrowing power.

Bringing Your Renovation Vision to Life

A home renovation is more than cosmetic—it’s a long-term investment in comfort, function, and future value. By preparing a clear budget, understanding permits, designing functional spaces, hiring reliable contractors, and planning for day-to-day disruptions, your project becomes smoother and more rewarding.

Thoughtful planning turns your home into a beautiful, efficient, and future-ready space you’ll enjoy for years to come. If you’re preparing for a renovation and want to explore your financing options, contact EB Mortgage for trusted guidance—and get preapproved today!

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EB Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us or e-mail us today! 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

New Research Reveals a Weakness in the Lyme Disease Bacterium — Why Year-Round Tick Prevention Still Matters

A new scientific study has uncovered a surprising vulnerability in Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Researchers found that this pathogen depends on the mineral manganese to protect itself from the body’s immune system. But that same mineral can also work against it. When the bacterium has too little—or too much—manganese, its defenses fail, making it easier to eliminate.

This discovery could help guide future treatments that target how B. burgdorferi manages manganese, offering a promising direction for better Lyme disease therapies. As cases continue to rise and current treatment options remain challenging, understanding this weak spot is an encouraging step forward.

Ticks are active in Michigan, even during the cold months

While many pests fade away as temperatures drop, ticks remain active throughout fall, winter, and spring. They continue to pose a threat because they carry dangerous diseases and live on a wide range of hosts, including dogs, cats, deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and mice. Ticks cannot fly, jump, or fall from above; instead, they wait on vegetation and use their senses to latch onto mammals as they pass. Along Michigan’s lakeshores, veterinarians report consistent tick exposure in pets all year long.

Michigan’s most common ticks include:

  • American dog ticks – widespread across the state
  • Blacklegged (deer) ticks – capable of carrying Lyme disease
  • Lone Star ticks – increasingly detected and associated with additional disease risks

Deer ticks pose the greatest threat because they can transmit Lyme disease to both humans and pets. In dogs, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, shifting lameness, or—in rare cases—serious kidney complications. Most veterinary clinics offer testing and treatment options, but prevention remains the best defense.

There’s no single treatment for illnesses spread by lone star ticks. Bacterial infections require antibiotics, while viral infections have no specific cure.

How to minimize tick exposure

Consider scheduling routine inspections with a licensed pest control professional, who can identify tick hotspots on your property and apply targeted treatments to reduce tick activity. To keep mosquito and tick populations manageable during warmer months, begin treatments early in summer and reapply as needed.

  • Avoid brushing against tall grass or vegetation, especially in wooded areas.
  • Wear light-colored clothing and tuck pants into socks to help spot ticks before they attach.
  • Perform thorough tick checks on pets and people after they have been outdoors.
  • Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products year-round and ask about vaccination for dogs.
  • Keep your home free of rodents, as they often carry ticks.
  • Consider keeping animals such as guinea fowl, which eat ticks.

For tick removal, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin, and gently pull upward until it releases.

While not all properties qualify for the same treatment approach, Northern Pest can help determine the best plan to protect your home, pets, and family. Contact us today to learn more about effective tick management solutions.

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Northern Pest: Protecting Michigan families like our own. We are licensed and insured to provide insect and wildlife pest control. Our crew has the expertise to track wildlife entry points and remove pests of all kinds, including our licensed builders, who can make any of the necessary repairs caused by wildlife. Northern Pest is a member of the MDAT and the NWCOA. We are certified by the IICRC to provide professional mold mitigation services resulting from animal damage. From prevention to repair, Northern Pest is your full-service solution.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Surety Bond Requirements for Construction Projects in Michigan

Surety bonds play a critical role in keeping construction projects on track—especially when public funding is involved. Federal, state, and local regulations often require contractors to secure specific bonds before work can begin, making it essential to understand what’s needed for each project.

Public Project Bonding Requirements

The federal Miller Act mandates that general contractors provide performance and payment bonds for any federally funded construction contract exceeding $150,000. Many states, including Michigan, enforce similar statutes known as “Little Miller Acts.” These laws require performance and payment bonds for state-funded construction projects. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so contractors must review bonding rules for the location where the project will be completed.

Local municipalities may also require subdivision bonds to guarantee infrastructure improvements—such as streets, utilities, and sidewalks—before they approve development permits.

Private Project Bonding

For privately funded projects, bond requirements are determined by the owner. Some owners require surety bonds to reduce risk or screen out contractors without strong qualifications. Contractors should understand that projects requiring bonds typically include higher bid prices to account for the cost and effort of obtaining the bond.

Prime contractors may also require subcontractors and suppliers to carry surety bonds. This protects the contractor’s financial interest by ensuring work and materials are delivered as agreed.

How to Obtain a Construction Surety Bond

Securing a surety bond begins with identifying the type and amount of coverage required. Most prime contractors need a combination of bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds.

Once requirements are clear, contractors should partner with a surety provider experienced in construction bonding. Many sureties offer online resources and quotes, helping businesses compare options based on location, project type, and company profile.

The surety will then conduct underwriting to evaluate risk. This review often includes:

  • Company financial strength
  • Experience and project history
  • Organizational structure and management practices
  • Personal character and reliability of the principal

Bond premiums are determined by this risk assessment—lower risk results in lower costs. After approval, the contractor files the bond with the obligee and can move forward with construction.

Construction Bonding Specialists partners with Treasury-listed, AM Best–rated surety markets to meet nearly all bid, performance, payment, financial guarantee, and supply bond needs. Contact us today.

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At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a dedicated surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we strive to discover surety solutions for all types of cases, ranging from routine to challenging. Contact us online or call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Top Renovation Updates for Aging in Place

A large majority of older Americans prefer to age in place rather than move to a more accessible home; however, many quickly realize that their existing living spaces aren’t designed to support them as they age. Multi-story layouts, lack of walk-in showers, and narrow hallways are just a few of the everyday challenges seniors face.

Key Areas to Prioritize When Renovating for Aging in Place

Strategic updates can dramatically improve comfort, safety, and independence. High-impact areas include:

  • Bathrooms: zero-entry showers, grab bars, slip-resistant flooring
  • Kitchens: accessible storage, safer appliances, improved lighting
  • Doorways and corridors: widened entries, smoother transitions

Even small upgrades—better lighting, safer flooring materials, or improved hardware—can make daily living significantly easier and safer.

Planning Ahead for Safety and Comfort

Preparing your home for aging in place is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your independence. Falls remain the leading cause of injury among older adults, and homes without single-level living, curb-less showers, or accessible pathways often force injured homeowners into rehab facilities after an incident.

By planning early, you can:

  • Make thoughtful, cost-effective decisions before mobility becomes a concern
  • Avoid rushed renovations during a health crisis
  • Choose solutions tailored to both current and future needs
  • Spread improvements out over time to align with your budget

Advanced planning reduces stress, minimizes disruption, and ensures your home adapts to your changing lifestyle.

Renovation vs. Relocation: Understanding the Value

Choosing whether to renovate or move involves more than finances. Emotional connection to your home, daily living preferences, and long-term maintenance all factor into the decision. Working with a professional design-build remodeler—such as JFC Remodeling—can help you evaluate your options with clarity and confidence.

Once you commit to aging in place, the next steps include:

  1. Home Assessment: Hire a qualified professional to evaluate your home and identify modifications based on your needs.
  2. Prioritize High-Risk Areas: Start with essential updates in bathrooms, stairways, and heavily used spaces.
  3. Plan for the Future: Add modifications gradually as your health, mobility, and budget evolve.

Thoughtful renovation ensures your home remains safe, functional, and comfortable for years to come. Contact JFC Remodeling today for a fair and unbiased consultation you can trust.

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JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Building an Indoor Pool: Planning, Design, and Essential Considerations

Constructing an indoor, in-ground pool—whether for a commercial facility or a private residence—is a major investment that delivers year-round use, long-term value, and a luxury experience. Because indoor pools require more complex engineering than outdoor pools, planning, design, and professional expertise are essential.

What Type of Pool Works Best Inside an Enclosed Structure?

Selecting the right pool type is essential when building an indoor swimming pool. Concrete pools are often preferred due to their durability, design flexibility, and ability to be customized to any shape or size. They integrate well into architectural plans and hold up over time.

Because indoor pools create a high-moisture environment, it’s also important to account for ventilation and humidity control. Materials like wood or drywall can deteriorate quickly indoors if not properly protected. Choosing moisture-resistant building materials and installing an effective dehumidification system will help preserve the structure and prevent long-term issues such as mold or structural damage.

Can I Build My Pool Now and Add an Enclosure Later?

Yes—many homeowners and businesses choose to install the pool first and add the enclosure later. The key is planning the full layout upfront. Ideally, the enclosure footings should be installed at the same time as the pool deck, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective construction process.

What Accessories Should I Consider for an Indoor Pool?

The right accessories can greatly enhance comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance. An automatic pool reel helps control evaporation, retain heat, reduce energy costs, and limit chemical loss—while allowing the pool to be covered or uncovered in under two minutes.

Radiant in-floor heating is another popular upgrade. It improves comfort, keeps surfaces warm, reduces condensation, and creates a more enjoyable environment around the pool. These additions contribute to a more energy-efficient and user-friendly indoor pool space.

How Do I Get Started Building a Pool and Enclosure Together?

If you plan to build both the pool and enclosure at the same time, early coordination is essential. Let your pool builder know you intend to add an enclosure, and involve your enclosure provider as soon as possible. Aligning both teams during the design and engineering phase ensures proper placement, structural support, and a seamless installation.

First Steps to Designing an Indoor Pool

Research and planning are the foundation of any successful indoor pool project. Establish a clear budget early in the process. It’s essential to work with an indoor pool designer, architect, and possibly an interior designer to create a functional and visually appealing indoor pool environment.

Consider important features such as changing rooms, showers, and reliable humidity control through properly installed air ducts and ventilation. Additional requirements include water drainage, safe storage of pool chemicals, and evaluation of structural elements such as glass ceilings or skylights—particularly in snowy climates.

Pound Pool Plastering, Inc. specializes in plastering, tiling, and coping for inground swimming pools. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Bus Duct Types: Segregated, Non-Segregated, & Isolated Phase

Bus duct is essential for safely distributing electrical power in industrial and commercial settings. They come in three main types—segregated, non-segregated, and isolated phase—each designed for specific performance and safety needs.

Segregated Phase Bus Ducts


These systems keep each electrical phase separated by barriers to prevent faults and improve safety. They’re commonly used in power plants and large industrial sites where reliability is critical.

Non-Segregated Phase Bus Ducts


In this type, all phases share a common enclosure without barriers. They are less expensive and easier to install, making them ideal for commercial buildings and smaller industrial applications where fault risk is low and budgets are tighter.

Isolated Phase Bus Ducts


Each phase is completely enclosed in its own grounded housing, offering the highest level of protection and reliability. These are typically used in high-capacity generation facilities and critical infrastructure where downtime is unacceptable.

At J&P Electrical, our team specializes in refurbishing all types of bus duct systems, saving your company significant costs compared to purchasing new. Each refurbished unit is thoroughly inspected, tested, and restored to like-new condition—delivering reliable performance and long service life at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

Have heavy electrical equipment to sell? J&P Electrical also buys and specializes in asset recovery. Contact us to buy or sell today.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.